1 Corinthians 14:4-6
The Voice
4 Those who speak in an unknown language only strengthen themselves, but those who prophesy strengthen the community. 5 While I’d like for you all to be able to speak by the Spirit in unknown languages, my preference would be for you all to prophesy by the Spirit. Those who speak prophetically are God’s mouthpiece and are far more useful to the church than those who speak in exotic languages—unless there is another who interprets so that the community may be strengthened.
6 If I come to you, brothers and sisters, talking in unknown languages, what good would that be for any of you? You receive no benefit unless I speak to you some word of revelation, knowledge, prophecy, or instruction in your own language.
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1 Corinthians 14:4-6
New International Version
4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue(A) edifies(B) themselves, but the one who prophesies(C) edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues,[a] but I would rather have you prophesy.(D) The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues,[b] unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.(E)
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation(F) or knowledge(G) or prophecy or word of instruction?(H)
Footnotes
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
- 1 Corinthians 14:5 Or in other languages; also in verses 6, 18, 22, 23 and 39
1 Corinthians 14:4-6
King James Version
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
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1 Corinthians 14:4-6
New King James Version
4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; [a]for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Tongues Must Be Interpreted
6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by (A)revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?
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- 1 Corinthians 14:5 NU and
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